gain the upper hand
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gain the upper hand
To come to be in a position of advantage, power, and/or control (over someone, something, or some situation). We've been doing everything we can for your father, but I'm afraid the cancer is gaining the upper hand. The home team gained the upper hand when their opponents' star quarterback went out with an injury.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
get, have, gain, etc. the ˌupper ˈhand (over somebody)
get, etc. power or control over somebody, especially in a fight, competition, etc: Our team gained the upper hand in the second half of the match. ♢ The police claim they have the upper hand in their fight against the drug dealers.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017